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The Middle East has been plunged into heightened turmoil following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was neutralised in a joint military operation attributed to the United States and Israel, reports Republic.
The operation reportedly involved aerial strikes targeting key military and government installations in Tehran and other strategic locations.
Below is a look at senior Iranian commanders and security officials reportedly killed alongside the Supreme Leader:
General Abdol Rahim Mousavi
General Abdol Rahim Mousavi, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, was responsible for coordinating operations between the Army and other military branches.
He played a central role in shaping Iran’s overall defence strategy and operational planning. His reported death represents a significant blow to the country’s military command structure.
Mohammad Shirazi
Mohammad Shirazi, head of the Military Bureau of the Supreme Leader since 1989, served as a key liaison between senior military commanders and the leadership.
According to reports, he was regarded as an influential figure within the upper ranks of the Iranian system.
Read more: Global tension rises, as Iran’s supreme leader confirmed killed in major attack by US and Isreal
General Aziz Nasirzadeh
General Aziz Nasirzadeh was serving as Defence Minister at the time of the strikes.
He previously commanded the Iranian Air Force and held the position of deputy chief of staff of the armed forces.
Reports indicate he was involved in overseeing long-range missile production facilities and weapons systems supplied to Iran-backed groups in the region.
He was also linked to the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), associated with sensitive research initiatives.
Ali Shamkhani
Ali Shamkhani was one of Iran’s most senior security figures since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
He held several high-ranking positions, including Navy chief, army chief, and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. A close adviser to Khamenei, Shamkhani also played a diplomatic role in efforts to restore ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023.
He was later appointed head of Iran’s Defence Council following previous hostilities with Israel.
Mohammad Pakpour
Mohammad Pakpour served as Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), taking over in June 2025 after his predecessor was killed in Israeli airstrikes.
He was tasked with strengthening the force’s operational readiness. Earlier in his career, he commanded the IRGC Ground Forces and served during the Iran–Iraq War, building a reputation as a field commander.
Reports also link him to internal security operations during recent protests.
Hossein Jabal Amelian
Hossein Jabal Amelian headed the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) and was associated with the development of advanced defence technologies, including projects related to nuclear, biological, and chemical research domains.
Reza Mozaffari-Nia
Reza Mozaffari-Nia, a former head of SPND, was reportedly connected to initiatives advancing Iran’s strategic weapons and nuclear-related research programmes.
Saleh Asadi
Saleh Asadi was a senior intelligence figure within Iran’s emergency command structure.
He was believed to have influenced strategic and foreign policy decisions, particularly concerning relations with Israel and the United States.
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